Assisteens is the youth auxiliary of Assistance League of Riverside. It encourages and promotes youth involvement in community service and responsibility.

Bondy recounted the groupâs accomplishments for the year: scholarships totaling $3,000 along with $1,375 for projects and supplies given to the Wylie Center for Children and Families; $1,000 in gifts, food, decorations and a tree to a family in need during the holidays; $1,000 to Assistance League of Riversideâs Operation School Bell; $250 to Snack Attack; $1,500 to the Expansion Fund; and $3,000 to the Annual Giving Fund.

In addition, Bondy shared that Assisteens volunteered 1,023 hours in support of the Assistance League by working in the Thrift Shop, stamping bags for Snack Attack, filling the Fun Kits, by providing âparty in a boxâ three times during the year for Wylie Center school sites, serving as hosts for the Panhellenic Home Tour, and participating with a face painting booth at the Wylie Center Stroll and Roll event.

Bondy and member Buki Akinyenmi were recognized as Volunteers of the Year at the annual event sponsored by Community Connect.

âBoth girls joined Assisteens later in their high school years, but they are both excellent examples of what an Assisteen should be,â said Sue Davis, Assisteens adviser. âIâm very proud of them and feel like a âthird parentâ!â

In her remarks Bondy praised her peers for a successful year but challenged them to strive to achieve more.

âMost of the Assisteens and parents do not realize how much the Assisteens are able to accomplish in a year. I learned through my few years that if you set aside time to help others, you are able to accomplish so much more,â she said.

Davis presented several special awards voted upon by the members:

Cole Nelson received the Membership Award for his dedication, regular attendance, enthusiasm, and for fulfilling his philanthropic responsibilities.

Jonathan Marilao, who was described as kind to others and one who makes everyone feel important, received the Angel Award.

Bondy, who is respected by the entire membership for working harder and more than anyone else, received the Most Valuable Member Award.

Outgoing members who leave the organization upon completion of their senior year in high school were honored: Akinyemi will attend UC Santa Barbara; Bondy will attend Cal Poly Pomona; and Adrianna Payne will attend Purdue University.

Assistance League of Riverside President Cindy Jensen concluded the evening with the installation of the Governing Board. In presenting each officer with a key from her personal collection of old keys she said, âThese are your keys to leadership and a year of responsibility.â

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